Melbourne Conveyancing Lawyers

Whether you're buying a home in Melbourne, investing off the plan or selling residential or commercial property, we review the contract before you sign, explain the risks and see the matter through to settlement. Conveyancing is handled by our property team led by Tan Chua, which has long acted for Melbourne's Chinese community on property and commercial property matters – in Mandarin, Cantonese or English.

Buying property

• Reviewing the contract and vendor's statement (Section 32) before you sign, and explaining title, mortgages, planning restrictions, owners corporation fees and special conditions
• Checking finance, the settlement date, stamp duty and any concessions you may be eligible for
• Reviewing off-the-plan contracts, including sunset clauses, design changes and the risk of construction delays
• Settling electronically through PEXA, and checking the pre-settlement inspection and adjustments

Selling property

• Preparing the vendor's statement (Section 32) and contract of sale for a private sale or auction with your agent
• Arranging the discharge of your mortgage, settlement adjustments and distribution of the proceeds
• Helping you obtain an ATO clearance certificate. Since 1 January 2025, whatever the sale price, if the vendor does not provide a clearance certificate before settlement the buyer must withhold part of the price and pay it to the ATO

Properties we act on

• Houses, townhouses, units and apartments
• Off-the-plan and newly built homes
• Residential land and subdivisions
• Commercial property: shops, offices, restaurants, cafés, industrial premises, farms and service stations
• Property and leases involved in buying or selling a business

Overseas buyers and temporary visa holders

Foreign persons generally need Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval before buying residential property in Australia, or a contract conditional on approval. From 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2029, foreign persons generally cannot buy established homes, although new dwellings and off-the-plan properties are usually still available. Victoria also charges foreign purchasers additional stamp duty, and an absentee owner land tax surcharge may apply while you own the property. We can assess your position before you sign and arrange remote signing, identity verification and powers of attorney from overseas.

For a quote or advice, call 03 9602 3988 orcontact us online.